The General Election result feels like the beginning of a new era. The Labour Party made Change the key word of its campaign after all. We look forward to working with a new set of Ministers and MPs in the coming weeks.
But will things change for adult learning?
We know that adult education barely featured in the manifestos which is why our “Don’t forget about learners like us” campaign was so necessary. We don’t expect adult learning to feature strongly in the early days of the Parliament, which is why we all need to keep the profile up.
We would like to see the new Government building on the best that adult learning has to offer. The sort of work which OFSTED this week graded as Good with elements of Outstanding at the WEA. Bringing adult learning within reach of those who need it most. To read the full Ofsted report, click here.
There are hundreds of new MPs – and a fair number re-elected – and it’s important that they all know about adult learning happening in their constituencies.
Now that all the new MPs have been sworn in and taken their seats, it’s a great opportunity to connect with them. As a member/supporter of the WEA you are brilliantly well placed to connect with your MP to let them know what adult learning means to you and to let them know how they can find out more.
We’ve prepared a template letter which you may wish to use here.
Please let them know about the great work happening on their doorstep. Ensure that they hear what a positive difference adult learning is having for their constituents. Then they are more likely to take that message back to Westminster and speak up for adult education.
We will keep you informed about any new developments as we prepare for the first King’s Speech, party conferences and Autumn Budget.
Meanwhile, let’s aim to make this new Parliament the best informed ever of the power of adult learning.
You can find the email address for your local MP by entering your postcode here
The template letter gives them an address to contact at the WEA but please let us know if they respond to you directly instead.
